Madrid, Spain, Jul 13, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Diocese of Terrasa in northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia is set to open a new major seminary, the first to be founded in that area in the last 100 years.

The Spanish daily La Razon reported that the young diocese, which was erected only two years ago, has seen a boom in vocations, in contrast with other dioceses of Catalonia where numerous seminaries have been closed.

Bishop Josep Angel Saiz Meneses of Terrasa, who is also in charge of Youth Ministry for the Bishops’ Conference of Spain, said this week, “The importance of opening a seminary at this time is extraordinary, and it will surely lead to an increase in vocations.” He said the seminary would be fully operational in September, with 20 students beginning their studies.

The Spanish prelate emphasized that, “although these are difficult times because of the secularism we are experiencing, we trust that the Lord will bless us with many more vocations.”

The new seminary will be located at the old monastery of the St. John monks of Terrasa, who donated the buildings to the diocese and moved to the nearby town of Alava. “It has been somewhat providential because we are staking a good portion of our future in this seminary,” said Bishop Meneses.